Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

jtdavis · by **jtdavis** » 2020-04-22 5:24 p.m.

Hi, I have a unique vintage trombone that I am having a really tough time finding information on. The trombone is a silver 3 valve trombone made by Bryant-Newell Company out of Detroit Michigan under the brand “Rex”. I have found that the company was started in 1903 but I cannot find anything on the trombones made by them. The individual who owned the horn before me said he played it in a Glenn Miller type band during WW2. I am attaching some photos. Serial number 1789. Any information on this horn would be helpful and much appreciated.

Thanks
<ATTACHMENT filename="CED2755A-15D2-4F9E-99DE-8FEAC884393D.jpeg" index="0">~~[attachment=0]~~CED2755A-15D2-4F9E-99DE-8FEAC884393D.jpeg</ATTACHMENT>
<ATTACHMENT filename="444A156E-E802-4E41-81CA-B5B6C5091B39.jpeg" index="2">~~[attachment=2]~~444A156E-E802-4E41-81CA-B5B6C5091B39.jpeg</ATTACHMENT>
<ATTACHMENT filename="444A156E-E802-4E41-81CA-B5B6C5091B39.jpeg" index="2">~~[attachment=2]~~444A156E-E802-4E41-81CA-B5B6C5091B39.jpeg</ATTACHMENT>

jtdavis · by **jtdavis** » 2020-04-22 6:54 p.m.

Here is a more detailed picture of the bell.

Doug_Elliott · by **Doug_Elliott** » 2020-04-22 9:58 p.m.

Beautiful, but I never heard of that company.

Info paraphrased from The New Langwill Index:

Bryant, Willard G. woodwind and brass instruments, Detroit, 1895-1930

1903-1920 partnership as Bryant & Newell. Rex Perfection cornets and trombones are known.

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2020-04-22 11:10 p.m.

it was custom engraved for this guy's birthday.<ATTACHMENT filename="rex.jpg" index="0">~~[attachment=0]~~rex.jpg</ATTACHMENT>

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2020-04-22 11:22 p.m.

Did you see this article? It must be from before 1918, because the Rex name was taken over by Gretsch according to the article.

https://www.trumpet-history.com/Willard%20Bryant.htm

jtdavis · by **jtdavis** » 2020-04-22 11:29 p.m.

@ brassmedic, I did take a look at that article and I have tried my best to try and reach Thomas Meacham (owner of the collection shown in article) but I have not had much luck. Thank you for the response!

brassmedic · by **brassmedic** » 2020-04-22 11:52 p.m.

Good luck with your quest.

dukesboneman · by **dukesboneman** » 2020-04-23 8:01 a.m.

I had a 1910 Conn Valve trombone with that exact same wrap , It`s more than likely a stencil of the Conn

jtdavis · by **jtdavis** » 2020-04-23 8:27 a.m.

@dukesboneman, Good eye! I would not have known the two shared the same stencil pattern. Thank you!

Vegastokc · by **Vegastokc** » 2020-04-23 11:05 a.m.

FWIW:

Looks like there is some info on Horn U Copia also if you haven't been there yet.

(Usually one of the first places I like to go when investigating older and obscure makers. )

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Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone